CPSC Warns That Tubular Metal Bunk Beds May Collapse: Safety Alert

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises owners of children's tubular metal bunk beds to inspect the beds for metal or weld cracks which may lead to collapse and serious injury. The bunk beds may have been welded poorly or have inadequate material thickness around the mattress support fins, which connect to the side rails.

The CPSC is aware of numerous incidents in which the bunk beds collapsed during use. Many of the incidents occurred on the currently popular twin-size on top/full-size on bottom bunk beds. Injuries reported include broken bones, lacerations, bruises, and sprains

These bunk beds are often imported from Malaysia, Taiwan, and Mexico. They are distributed in the United States by a large number of importers and retailers and sold to consumers nationwide. The beds are constructed of tubular metal and are usually painted with high gloss red, white, blue, or black paint. They have been sold for approximately $150 to $250 each.The beds frequently have no identifying markings or manufacturer labels.

In 1994, CPSC announced the repair-recall of imported metal bunk beds because of the risk of collapse during use. If consumers have a tubular metal bunk bed, they should:

Inspect all eight mattress support corners for cracks in the paint or metal. If cracks are found, stop using it immediately. Do not wait for the bed to break.

Whether or not cracks are present, call the retailer where the bed was bought to see if it is under recall. Get the telephone number of the importer and call for repair instructions. Consumers will receive a repair kit consisting of reinforcement brackets. In cases where the bed has cracks in the corner supports, consumers should receive a new bed.

To help avoid bunk bed collapse, CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support fin tabs and pockets for breaks or cracks in the metal and welds. The fin tabs are inserted into pockets located near each of the bed's eight corners. Stop using damaged beds as bunks and contact the importer for repair or replacement.